The Forgotten 500 The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II

2016-04-01

Author: Gregory A. Freeman

Price: $9.87

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: NAL; Reprint edition (September 2, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0451224957

ISBN-13: 978-0451224958

Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches

1. Introduction

Now in paperback the "amazing"( James Bradley, New York Times bestselling author of Flags of Our Fathers) never-before-told story of the greatest escape of the Second World War.

In 1944 the OSS set out to recover more than 500 downed airmen trapped behind enemy lines in Yugoslavia. Classified for over half a century for political reasons, the full account of this unforgettable story of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and bravery is now being told for the first time.

2. Comment

2.1 By Amazon Customer VINE VOICE on May 31, 2010

Format: Paperback

"The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II", by Gregory A. Freeman, is an engaging story of which I was not familiar prior to reading this book. It is the story of the hundreds of airman who were shot down on missions over the oil refineries in Romania which the Germans were tremendously dependent upon during the war. Many of these airmen ended up in Yugoslavia, some were captured by the Germans, a few ended up with Tito's forces, but many more ended up with the Serbian Guerilla forces under the leadership of General Draza Mihailovich. Those lucky enough to be with Mihailovich found themselves engaged in one of the greatest allied force rescues behind enemy lines throughout the entire war. This was OPERATION HALYARD, and that is the primary story told in the book. However, many other stories are told as well: the escape from Nazi occupied Serbia, the employment into the newly established OSS, the story of Allied Airmen and their aircraft. One of the tragedies at the end of the story is the Allied support of Tito over Mihailovich due to the many Soviet sympathizers s in the OSS and among the British forces. Mihailovich ended up being executed by Tito after the war. All and all, this is a very good read. If you think you know all the major stories of WWII, try this read. It may surprise you.

2.2 By M. L. Dominguez-Plaza on February 19, 2009

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

I have just passed the book, The Forgotten 500, on to my son in Iraq. What a terrific read and one I know that he and his fellow soldiers will enjoy. I cried, laughed and got very angery as I read this book. Those Airmen and the civilians who helped them return to their homes should never be forgotten. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in WWII history.